US20210113069A1 - Sheath assembly for a rigid endoscope - Google Patents
Sheath assembly for a rigid endoscope Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210113069A1 US20210113069A1 US16/970,574 US201816970574A US2021113069A1 US 20210113069 A1 US20210113069 A1 US 20210113069A1 US 201816970574 A US201816970574 A US 201816970574A US 2021113069 A1 US2021113069 A1 US 2021113069A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheath
- endoscope
- latch assembly
- guide housing
- tip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00096—Optical elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
- A61B1/00114—Electrical cables in or with an endoscope
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
- A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
- A61B1/00128—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
- A61B1/00135—Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to sheath assemblies, and components thereof, for use with endoscopes.
- Endoscopes are introduced through an incision or a natural body orifice to observe internal features of a body.
- Conventional endoscopes include a light transmission pathway, including a fiber light guide, for transmitting light from an external light source through the endoscope to illuminate the internal features of the body.
- endoscopes include an internal light source, instead of the combination of the external light source and the fiber light guide, to directly illuminate the internal features of the body.
- Conventional endoscopes also include an image retrieval pathway for transmitting images of these internal features back to an eyepiece or external video system for processing and display on an external monitor.
- endoscopy provides physicians with visualization of the internal features of the body for accurate diagnosis and/or treatment.
- rigid endoscopy is utilized in common surgical procedures, such as appendectomy, duodenal ulcer perforation repair, hernia repair, colectomy, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, ovarian cyst removal, ectopic pregnancy, hysterectomy, and so on.
- Endoscopes are typically reusable medical devices that must be cleaned and disinfected prior to subsequent uses.
- a common clinical practice is to clean and disinfect endoscopes between different patients by using, for example, high temperature and/or high pressure processes, such as ethylene oxide sterilization, low temperature plasma disinfection, among other methods.
- high temperature and/or high pressure processes such as ethylene oxide sterilization, low temperature plasma disinfection, among other methods.
- the endoscope cleaning and disinfection process is cumbersome and the cost of the endoscopic equipment is high, the cleaning and disinfection process can also be expensive.
- the endoscope is being processed for re-use, the endoscope is not available for use; thus, affecting a hospital's operational continuity.
- Disposable jackets or sheaths may be used to protect endoscopes from contamination during use. Lighting quality and optical imaging quality, however, may drop with the introduction of the disposable jacket over the lighting and imaging pathways of the endoscope. For example, gaps between the distal ends of the endoscope and the disposable jacket and/or light reflected off the disposable jacket may produce stray light which can compromise image quality. It would be desirable to cover and protect an endoscope with a disposable sheath that will not reduce the lighting quality and the imaging quality of the endoscope.
- a sheath for covering an endoscope includes a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body.
- the latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly.
- the sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The first and second windows are configured to correspond with respective lighting and imaging windows of an endoscope.
- the latch assembly may include a locking mechanism configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope.
- the locking mechanism includes opposed keyed locking slots defined in an outer surface of the main housing.
- the latch assembly may include an alignment mechanism configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope.
- the alignment mechanism includes an alignment post extending outwardly from an outer surface of the guide housing and proximally into the main housing.
- the main housing and the guide housing of the latch assembly may be coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected by elastic members.
- the guide housing of the latch assembly may include a proximal portion disposed within the main housing of the latch assembly, with the guide housing extending distally from the main housing and coupled to the elongate body such that a lumen of the elongate body is axially aligned with a through hole of the guide housing.
- a sheath assembly includes a sheath and a protective sleeve.
- the sheath includes a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body.
- the latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly.
- the sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The first and second windows are configured to correspond with respective lighting and imaging windows of an endoscope.
- the protective sleeve is securable to the latch assembly of the sheath.
- the guide housing of the latch assembly may include an annular groove defined in an outer surface thereof, the annular groove configured to receive a portion of the protective sleeve therein.
- the sheath assembly further includes a clamping ring positionable over the annular groove of the guide housing to secure the protective sleeve to the sheath.
- the guide housing of the latch assembly includes clips extending outwardly from the guide housing, and the clamping ring includes an annular slot configured to engage the clips and retain the clamping ring on the guide housing.
- a system for covering an endoscope system with a sheath assembly includes an endoscope system and a sheath assembly.
- the endoscope system includes an endoscope including a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an endoscope tip disposed at a distal end of the shaft.
- the endoscope tip has a distal surface including a lighting window and an imaging window.
- the sheath assembly includes a sheath including a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly and configured to receive the shaft of the endoscope therein, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body.
- the latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly.
- the sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The sheath tip is configured to receive the endoscope tip therein such that the first and second windows are coincident with the lighting and imaging windows of the endoscope.
- the endoscope may include a retaining bracket disposed at a distal end of the handle and positioned over the shaft.
- the retaining bracket may include a locking structure
- the latch assembly of the sheath may include a locking mechanism configured to engage the locking structure of the endoscope to lock the sheath onto the endoscope.
- the locking mechanism includes opposed keyed locking slots defined in an outer surface of the main housing of the latch assembly
- the locking structure includes opposed keyed locking protrusions disposed on an inner surface of an outer collar of the retaining bracket.
- the retaining bracket of the endoscope may include an alignment structure
- the latch assembly of the sheath may include an alignment mechanism configured to engage the alignment structure of the endoscope to align the first and second windows of the sheath tip with the lighting and imaging windows of the endoscope tip.
- the alignment mechanism includes an alignment post extending outwardly from an outer surface of the guide housing and proximally into the main housing of the latch assembly
- the alignment structure includes an alignment slot defined in an outer surface of an inner collar of the retaining bracket.
- the elongate body of the sheath may be shorter in length than the shaft of endoscope, and the latch assembly of the sheath may include elastic members interconnecting the main housing and the guide housing such that the guide housing is movable relative to the main housing to increase the length of the elongate body of the sheath when the shaft of the endoscope is placed therein to ensure that the front face of the sheath tip contacts the distal surface of the endoscope tip.
- the endoscope system may further include a system control box and a cable interconnecting the endoscope with the system control box
- the sheath assembly may further include a protective sleeve securable to the latch assembly of the sheath and positionable over the handle of the endoscope and the cable of the endoscope system.
- a portion of the protective sleeve is positionable and securable within an annular groove defined in an outer surface of the guide housing of the latch assembly.
- the sheath assembly further includes a clamping ring positionable over the annular groove of the guide housing to secure the protective sleeve to the sheath.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following advantages.
- the sheaths and sheath assemblies are consumable (e.g., one time use) items that protect an endoscope and/or endoscope system to eliminate or reduce the need for cleaning and disinfection procedures requiring high temperature and/or high pressure.
- the sheath/sheath assemblies can cover and protect surfaces of the endoscope and/or the endoscope system that may be exposed to contamination.
- the sheath assemblies include a protective sleeve securable to the sheath in sealing relationship therewith to isolate and protect the entirety of the endoscope as well as the cable which extends from the endoscope.
- the sheaths and sheath assemblies can reduce the down time of the endoscope, reduce the exposure of the endoscope to the harsh environments associated with high temperature and high pressure cleaning and disinfection procedures, and keep costs down.
- the sheath includes structures that mechanically match structures of the endoscope, e.g., the optical and lighting devices, to minimize optical quality drop as compared to conventional sheaths.
- the sheath has a front face including two windows that are isolated from each other and configured to correspond with the lighting and imaging pathways of an endoscope thereby eliminating or reducing the introduction of stray light into the endoscope and maintaining lighting quality and imaging quality comparable to an endoscope without an endoscope sheath disposed thereover.
- the latch assembly includes an alignment feature to ensure that the two windows are properly aligned with the lighting and imaging pathways.
- the length of the elongate body of the sheath is shorter than the length of the shaft of the endoscope, and elastic members disposed within the latch assembly of the sheath longitudinally expand the latch assembly when the sheath is placed on the endoscope to ensure the front face of the sheath is disposed immediately adjacent the front face of the endoscope.
- This contacting arrangement eliminates or reduces the introduction of stray light into the endoscope and maintains the light quality and imaging quality of the endoscope.
- the sheath locks onto an endoscope about the rear or proximal portion thereof (e.g., adjacent the handle of the endoscope), making installation of the sheath on the endoscope easier as compared to sheaths that connect about a front or distal portion thereof or sheaths that do not have a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tip section of a sheath in accordance with the prior art, positioned over a front-end section of an endoscope;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a tip section of a sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, positioned over a front-end section of an endoscope;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of the sheath of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an end view of a proximal end of a latch assembly of the sheath of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an end view of a distal end of the latch assembly of the sheath of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 7 is an end view of a sheath tip of the sheath of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an endoscope system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an endoscope of the endoscope system of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a sheath assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a latch assembly of a sheath of the sheath assembly of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clamping ring of the sheath assembly of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the endoscope system of FIG. 8 and the sheath assembly of FIG. 10 .
- proximal refers to a portion of a system, a device, or a component thereof, that is closer to a user
- distal refers to a portion of the system, the device, or the component thereof, that is farther from the user.
- a prior art sheath 1 having a front-end illumination window 2 is shown disposed on an endoscope 3 having a front or forward facing lighting system including a light source 4 , such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), disposed radially outward of a lens 5 .
- a light source 4 such as light emitting diodes (LEDs)
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the light emitted from the light source 4 is reflected back from the inner and outer surfaces of the illumination window 2 of the sheath 1 and into the imaging pathway of the lens 5 . This phenomenon causes stray light that affects image quality.
- a sheath 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front-end having two separate windows 154 a , 154 b corresponding to the lighting pathway and the imaging pathway, respectively, of the endoscope 3 .
- the windows 154 a , 154 b are isolated from each other, and positioned immediate adjacent (e.g., in contact with) the distal end of the endoscope 3 , thereby preventing or minimizing any reflected light from entering the imaging pathway.
- the sheath 100 extends along a longitudinal axis “X”, and includes a latch assembly 110 having a main housing 120 and a guide housing 130 , an elongate body 140 extending distally from the latch assembly 110 , and a sheath tip 150 extending distally from the elongate body 140 .
- the sheath 100 is configured for positioning over an endoscope to isolate the endoscope from the external environment.
- the main housing 120 of the latch assembly 110 includes a proximal portion 120 a having a locking mechanism 122 configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope.
- the locking mechanism 122 includes opposed keyed locking slots 122 a defined in an outer surface 121 a of the proximal portion 120 a of the main housing 120 .
- the main housing 120 also a grip portion 120 b configured for engagement (e.g., holding/handling) by a user.
- the guide housing 130 includes a proximal portion 130 a disposed within the main housing 120 of the latch assembly 110 .
- the proximal portion 130 a of the guide housing 130 includes an alignment mechanism 132 configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope.
- the alignment mechanism 132 includes an alignment post 132 a extending radially outward from an outer surface 131 a of the proximal portion 130 a of the guide housing 130 , and proximally therefrom within the main housing 120 .
- the main housing 120 and the guide housing 130 are coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected by elastic members 112 .
- Each elastic member 112 is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to both the main and guide housings 120 , 130 such that a central portion 112 a of the elastic member 112 extends radially between the main and guide housings 120 , 130 (e.g., coaxially aligned with the main and guide housings) in spaced relation relative to each other.
- the elastic members 112 are flexible, e.g., elasticized, stretchable, or yieldable, to allow the guide housing 130 to move longitudinally relative to the main housing 120 from a biased, first position to an elongated, second position to increase the longitudinal length of the latch assembly 110 , and thus the sheath 100 .
- the elastic members 112 may be in the form of bands, tethers, ropes, cords, cables, straps, etc., and may formed from, for example, an elastomer, silicone, rubber, latex, among other resilient materials within the purview of those skilled in the art.
- the guide housing 130 extends distally from main housing 120 and defines a through-hole 133 extending longitudinally therethrough that acts as a guide hole for guiding the insertion of an endoscope therethrough.
- An annular groove 135 is defined in the outer surface 131 a of the guide housing 130 and configured for attachment of a protective sleeve thereto, as described in further detail below.
- the elongate body 140 is a rigid tubular member having a uniform diameter along the length thereof, and defines a lumen 141 therethrough.
- the elongate body 140 has a proximal end 140 a disposed in sealing relation within the guide housing 130 of the latch assembly 110 such that the lumen 141 is axially aligned with the through hole 133 of the guide housing 130 along the longitudinal axis “X” of the sheath 100 .
- the elongate body 140 also has a distal end 140 b integrally formed with, or secured to, the sheath tip 150 .
- the sheath tip 150 is sized and shaped to correspond with the configuration of an endoscope tip. As shown in FIG. 7 , in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sheath tip 150 has a front face or distal end 152 including first and second windows 154 a , 154 b sealingly positioned within first and second openings 152 a , 152 b , respectively, defined in the distal end 152 of the sheath tip 150 .
- the first and second openings 152 a , 152 b of the distal end 152 of the sheath tip 150 are separate and distinct, having defined peripheral boundaries.
- the first and second windows 154 a , 154 b may be formed from glass, polymers, among other transparent materials within the purview of those skilled in the art.
- the first and second openings 152 a , 152 b and thus, the first and second windows 154 a , 154 b are sized, shaped, and positioned within the distal end 152 of the sheath tip 150 in a configuration that corresponds with the lighting and imaging pathways of an endoscope.
- the endoscope system 201 includes an endoscope 200 , a system control box 250 , and a power cord or cable 260 interconnecting the endoscope 200 with the system control box 250 .
- the system control box 250 includes software and hardware components for powering and/or controlling a camera and/or a light source of the endoscope 200 , and/or for processing images captured by the camera and outputting video signals to a display (not shown) to display the captured images.
- the cable 260 is a transmission line between the endoscope 200 and the system control box 250 , and may be long in length (e.g., 3 meters or more).
- the endoscope 200 includes a handle 210 and a shaft or insertion tube 220 extending distally from the handle 210 that terminates at an endoscope tip 222 .
- the handle 210 is used by a user to control and manipulate the endoscope 200 .
- a retaining bracket 230 is disposed at a distal end 210 a of the handle 210 , and is positioned over the shaft 220 .
- the retaining bracket 230 includes an outer collar 232 , and an inner collar 234 disposed within the outer collar 232 in spaced relation relative thereto. Alternatively, the inner collar 234 may be separate from the retaining bracket 230 .
- the outer collar 232 has a locking structure 236 disposed on an inner surface 232 a thereof, and the inner collar 234 has an alignment structure 238 disposed on an outer surface 234 a thereof.
- the locking structure 236 includes keyed locking protrusions 236 a that are configured to mate with the locking slots 122 a of the latch assembly 110 of the sheath 100
- the alignment structure 238 is an alignment slot 238 a that is configured to receive the alignment post 132 a of the latch assembly 110 therein.
- the endoscope tip 222 includes a lighting device and an imaging device (not explicitly shown) disposed therein, and a distal surface 224 including a first or lighting window 224 a and a second or imaging window 224 b disposed over the respective lighting and imaging devices to provide lighting and imaging pathways of the endoscope 200 .
- the size and shape of the endoscope tip 222 corresponds to the size and shape of the sheath tip 150 (see e.g., FIG. 3 ), and the boundaries of the lighting and imaging windows 224 a , 224 b are coincident with the boundaries of the first and second windows 154 a , 154 b (see e.g., FIG. 7 ) of the sheath tip 150 .
- the sheath 100 is placed over the endoscope 200 by inserting the endoscope tip 222 into the proximal portion 120 a of the main housing 120 of the latch assembly 110 , and passing the endoscope tip 222 proximally through the through hole 133 of the guide housing 130 and the lumen 141 of the elongate body 140 until the endoscope tip 222 is disposed within the sheath tip 150 .
- the alignment post 132 a slides into, and engages, the alignment slot 238 a of the endoscope 200 to ensure that the sheath tip 150 is properly oriented relative to the endoscope tip 222 . Accordingly, the sheath 100 and/or the endoscope 200 may need to be rotated relative to the other to align and unite the alignment mechanism 132 with the alignment structure 238 .
- the endoscope 200 is passed through the sheath 100 until the latch assembly 110 of the sheath 100 engages the retaining bracket 230 of the endoscope 200 .
- the proximal portion 120 a of the main housing 120 of the latch assembly 110 enters the space defined between the outer and inner collars 232 , 234 of the retaining bracket 230 , and the locking slots 122 a receive the locking protrusions 236 a of the endoscope 200 to lock the sheath 100 on the endoscope 200 .
- the length of the elongate body 140 of the sheath 100 is shorter than the length of the shaft 220 of the endoscope 200 . Accordingly, during placement of the sheath 100 on the endoscope 200 , the elastic members 112 disposed within the latch assembly 110 flex or stretch a longitudinal distance to accommodate for the length difference between the elongate body 140 and the shaft 220 , and to ensure that the distal end 152 of the sheath tip 150 is positioned immediate adjacent to, and contacts, the distal surface 224 of the endoscope tip 222 (e.g., no gaps are formed therebetween).
- the sheath assembly 101 includes a sheath 300 , a retaining or clamping ring 360 , and a protective sleeve 370 .
- the sheath 300 is substantially similar to the sheath 100 and therefore described with respect to the differences therebetween.
- the sheath 300 includes a latch assembly 310 having a main housing 320 and a guide housing 330 , an elongate body 140 extending distally from the latch assembly 310 , and a sheath tip 150 extending distally from the elongate body 140 .
- the main housing 320 of the latch assembly 310 includes a proximal portion 320 a having a locking mechanism 322 configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope.
- the locking mechanism 322 includes opposed keyed locking slots 322 a defined in an outer surface 321 a of the proximal portion 320 a of the main housing 320 .
- the main housing 320 also a grip portion 320 b configured for engagement (e.g., holding/handling) by a user.
- the guide housing 330 includes a proximal portion 330 a disposed within the main housing 320 of the latch assembly 310 .
- the proximal portion 330 a of the guide housing 330 includes an alignment mechanism 332 configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope.
- the alignment mechanism 332 includes an alignment post 332 a extending radially outward from an outer surface 331 a of the proximal portion 330 a of the guide housing 330 , and proximally therefrom within the main housing 320 .
- the main housing 320 and the guide housing 330 are coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected by elastic members 312 .
- Each elastic member 312 is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to both the main and guide housings 320 , 330 such that a central portion 312 a of the elastic member 312 extends radially between the main and guide housings 320 , 330 (e.g., coaxially aligned with the main and guide housings) in spaced relation relative to each other.
- the guide housing 330 extends distally from main housing 320 and defines a through-hole 333 extending longitudinally therethrough that acts as a guide hole for guiding the insertion of an endoscope therethrough.
- An annular groove 335 is defined in the outer surface 331 a of the guide housing 330 and configured for attachment of the protective sleeve 270 thereto.
- Clips 337 are disposed around the outer surface 331 a of the guide housing 330 in spaced relation relative to each other, and distal to the annular groove 335 .
- the clips 337 project radially outward from the guide housing 330 and are configured to engage the clamping ring 360 .
- the clips 337 may be ridges, protrusions, bumps, among other projections that are configured to engage a mating structure of the clamping ring 360 .
- the clamping ring 360 includes an annular body 362 having a central opening 363 defined therethrough, an annular slot 365 defined therein, and a clamping edge 367 .
- the clamping ring 360 is positionable on the guide housing 330 of the latch assembly 310 such that the clips 337 of the guide housing 330 engage the annular slot 365 of the clamping ring 360 to retain the clamping ring 360 on the guide housing 330 .
- the protective sleeve 370 is a sterile cover or drape of sufficient size and length to cover and enclose the endoscope and the cable of an endoscope system.
- the protective sleeve 370 is formed from a flexible, thin film or web of material that is sufficiently strong to allow for attachment of the protective sleeve 370 to the sheath 100 and manipulation of controls which may be disposed on the handle of an endoscope, without tearing, yet is flexible to allow for movement of the protective sleeve 370 during movement of the endoscope.
- the protective sleeve 370 is also impervious or impermeable to contaminants to maintain a sterile boundary between the covered components of an endoscope system and the external environment.
- the protective sleeve 370 may be transparent for an unobscured view of the endoscope and/or cable disposed therein.
- the protective sleeve 370 may be formed from polymers, such as plastic, among other suitable materials that may be formed into films.
- the sheath assembly 301 is utilized with the endoscope system 201 for isolating components (e.g., the endoscope 200 and the cable 260 ) of the endoscope system 201 from the external environment to prevent or minimize contamination of the endoscope system 201 during use in a surgical procedure.
- the sheath 300 is installed on the endoscope 200 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the sheath 100 .
- the sheath 300 is placed over the endoscope 200 by inserting the endoscope tip 222 into the proximal portion 320 a of the main housing 320 of the latch assembly 310 and sliding the sheath 300 over the endoscope 200 until the locking mechanism 322 of the sheath 300 engages the locking structure 236 of the endoscope 200 .
- the alignment mechanism 332 engages the alignment structure 238 of the endoscope 200 to ensure that the sheath tip 150 is properly oriented relative to the endoscope tip 222 , and the elastic members 312 of the latch assembly 310 stretch to accommodate for the length difference between the elongate body 140 of the sheath 100 and the shaft 220 of the endoscope 200 to ensure that the sheath tip 150 contacts the endoscope tip 222 .
- the protective sleeve 370 is positioned over the cable 260 and the handle 210 of the endoscope 200 , with a portion of the protective sleeve 370 positioned in the annular groove 335 of the guide housing 330 of the latch assembly 310 of the sheath 300 .
- the clamping ring 360 is then placed over the portion of the protective sleeve 370 disposed within the annular groove 335 by sliding the clamping ring 360 in a proximal direction over the sheath tip 150 , the elongate body 140 , and the guide housing 330 until the clamping edge 367 engages the guide housing 330 , capturing the protective sleeve 370 therebetween, and the annular slot 365 engages the clips 337 to retain the clamping ring 360 and thus, the protective sleeve 370 , to the latch assembly 310 . Accordingly, the endoscope 200 and the cable 260 , each of which is conventionally sterilized after use, are protected by the sheath assembly 301 .
- the endoscope sheath 100 may be utilized with a protective sleeve 370 to cover the endoscope system 201 .
- the protective sleeve 370 is positioned over the handle 210 of the endoscope 200 and the cable 260 , as discussed above, with a portion of the protective sleeve 370 disposed within, and secured to, the annular groove 135 of the guide housing 130 (e.g., via a band, cord, rope, tether, etc.).
- the locking mechanism 122 , 322 of the sheath 100 , 300 and the locking structure 236 of the endoscope 200 may additionally or alternatively include other suitable mechanical arrangements that form a connect/disconnect interface for releasably securing the sheath 100 , 300 to the endoscope 200 .
- the alignment mechanism 132 , 332 of the sheath 100 , 300 and the alignment structure 238 of the endoscope 200 may have other suitable mechanical arrangements that maintain the unique clocking position of the sheath 100 , 300 over the endoscope 200 for mistake-proofing the installation of the sheath 100 , 300 on the endoscope 200 .
- sheath tip 150 has been described and shown as having a beveled distal end 152 including the first and second windows 154 a , 154 b , it should be appreciated that the sheath tip 150 may have any shape that corresponds with the shape of an endoscope tip, and the configuration and number of windows of the sheath tip 150 may vary to match that of an endoscope tip.
- the retaining bracket 230 of the endoscope 200 may be an adapter made for installation on an endoscope such that any endoscope (e.g., rigid endoscopes and/or endoscopes having LED front lighting systems) may be fitted with an endoscope sheath 100 , 300 or sheath assembly 301 of the present disclosure.
- any endoscope e.g., rigid endoscopes and/or endoscopes having LED front lighting systems
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to sheath assemblies, and components thereof, for use with endoscopes.
- Endoscopes are introduced through an incision or a natural body orifice to observe internal features of a body. Conventional endoscopes include a light transmission pathway, including a fiber light guide, for transmitting light from an external light source through the endoscope to illuminate the internal features of the body. Recently, endoscopes include an internal light source, instead of the combination of the external light source and the fiber light guide, to directly illuminate the internal features of the body. Conventional endoscopes also include an image retrieval pathway for transmitting images of these internal features back to an eyepiece or external video system for processing and display on an external monitor.
- During minimally invasive medical procedures, endoscopy provides physicians with visualization of the internal features of the body for accurate diagnosis and/or treatment. For example, rigid endoscopy is utilized in common surgical procedures, such as appendectomy, duodenal ulcer perforation repair, hernia repair, colectomy, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, ovarian cyst removal, ectopic pregnancy, hysterectomy, and so on.
- Endoscopes are typically reusable medical devices that must be cleaned and disinfected prior to subsequent uses. A common clinical practice is to clean and disinfect endoscopes between different patients by using, for example, high temperature and/or high pressure processes, such as ethylene oxide sterilization, low temperature plasma disinfection, among other methods. As the endoscope cleaning and disinfection process is cumbersome and the cost of the endoscopic equipment is high, the cleaning and disinfection process can also be expensive. Also, while the endoscope is being processed for re-use, the endoscope is not available for use; thus, affecting a hospital's operational continuity.
- Disposable jackets or sheaths may be used to protect endoscopes from contamination during use. Lighting quality and optical imaging quality, however, may drop with the introduction of the disposable jacket over the lighting and imaging pathways of the endoscope. For example, gaps between the distal ends of the endoscope and the disposable jacket and/or light reflected off the disposable jacket may produce stray light which can compromise image quality. It would be desirable to cover and protect an endoscope with a disposable sheath that will not reduce the lighting quality and the imaging quality of the endoscope.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a sheath for covering an endoscope includes a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body. The latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly. The sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The first and second windows are configured to correspond with respective lighting and imaging windows of an endoscope.
- The latch assembly may include a locking mechanism configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope. In some aspects, the locking mechanism includes opposed keyed locking slots defined in an outer surface of the main housing.
- The latch assembly may include an alignment mechanism configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope. In some aspects, the alignment mechanism includes an alignment post extending outwardly from an outer surface of the guide housing and proximally into the main housing.
- The main housing and the guide housing of the latch assembly may be coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected by elastic members.
- The guide housing of the latch assembly may include a proximal portion disposed within the main housing of the latch assembly, with the guide housing extending distally from the main housing and coupled to the elongate body such that a lumen of the elongate body is axially aligned with a through hole of the guide housing.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a sheath assembly includes a sheath and a protective sleeve. The sheath includes a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body. The latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly. The sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The first and second windows are configured to correspond with respective lighting and imaging windows of an endoscope. The protective sleeve is securable to the latch assembly of the sheath.
- The guide housing of the latch assembly may include an annular groove defined in an outer surface thereof, the annular groove configured to receive a portion of the protective sleeve therein. In some aspects, the sheath assembly further includes a clamping ring positionable over the annular groove of the guide housing to secure the protective sleeve to the sheath. In certain aspects, the guide housing of the latch assembly includes clips extending outwardly from the guide housing, and the clamping ring includes an annular slot configured to engage the clips and retain the clamping ring on the guide housing.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for covering an endoscope system with a sheath assembly includes an endoscope system and a sheath assembly. The endoscope system includes an endoscope including a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an endoscope tip disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The endoscope tip has a distal surface including a lighting window and an imaging window. The sheath assembly includes a sheath including a latch assembly, an elongate body extending distally from the latch assembly and configured to receive the shaft of the endoscope therein, and a sheath tip extending distally from the elongate body. The latch assembly includes a main housing and a guide housing, the guide housing movable relative to the main housing to increase a longitudinal length of the latch assembly. The sheath tip has a front face including first and second windows disposed within respective first and second openings defined in the front face. The sheath tip is configured to receive the endoscope tip therein such that the first and second windows are coincident with the lighting and imaging windows of the endoscope.
- The endoscope may include a retaining bracket disposed at a distal end of the handle and positioned over the shaft. The retaining bracket may include a locking structure, and the latch assembly of the sheath may include a locking mechanism configured to engage the locking structure of the endoscope to lock the sheath onto the endoscope. In some aspects, the locking mechanism includes opposed keyed locking slots defined in an outer surface of the main housing of the latch assembly, and the locking structure includes opposed keyed locking protrusions disposed on an inner surface of an outer collar of the retaining bracket.
- The retaining bracket of the endoscope may include an alignment structure, and the latch assembly of the sheath may include an alignment mechanism configured to engage the alignment structure of the endoscope to align the first and second windows of the sheath tip with the lighting and imaging windows of the endoscope tip. In some aspects, the alignment mechanism includes an alignment post extending outwardly from an outer surface of the guide housing and proximally into the main housing of the latch assembly, and the alignment structure includes an alignment slot defined in an outer surface of an inner collar of the retaining bracket.
- The elongate body of the sheath may be shorter in length than the shaft of endoscope, and the latch assembly of the sheath may include elastic members interconnecting the main housing and the guide housing such that the guide housing is movable relative to the main housing to increase the length of the elongate body of the sheath when the shaft of the endoscope is placed therein to ensure that the front face of the sheath tip contacts the distal surface of the endoscope tip.
- The endoscope system may further include a system control box and a cable interconnecting the endoscope with the system control box, and the sheath assembly may further include a protective sleeve securable to the latch assembly of the sheath and positionable over the handle of the endoscope and the cable of the endoscope system. In some aspects, a portion of the protective sleeve is positionable and securable within an annular groove defined in an outer surface of the guide housing of the latch assembly. In certain aspects, the sheath assembly further includes a clamping ring positionable over the annular groove of the guide housing to secure the protective sleeve to the sheath.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following advantages.
- In embodiments, the sheaths and sheath assemblies are consumable (e.g., one time use) items that protect an endoscope and/or endoscope system to eliminate or reduce the need for cleaning and disinfection procedures requiring high temperature and/or high pressure. The sheath/sheath assemblies can cover and protect surfaces of the endoscope and/or the endoscope system that may be exposed to contamination. In some embodiments, the sheath assemblies include a protective sleeve securable to the sheath in sealing relationship therewith to isolate and protect the entirety of the endoscope as well as the cable which extends from the endoscope. Thus, the sheaths and sheath assemblies can reduce the down time of the endoscope, reduce the exposure of the endoscope to the harsh environments associated with high temperature and high pressure cleaning and disinfection procedures, and keep costs down.
- In embodiments, the sheath includes structures that mechanically match structures of the endoscope, e.g., the optical and lighting devices, to minimize optical quality drop as compared to conventional sheaths.
- In some embodiments, the sheath has a front face including two windows that are isolated from each other and configured to correspond with the lighting and imaging pathways of an endoscope thereby eliminating or reducing the introduction of stray light into the endoscope and maintaining lighting quality and imaging quality comparable to an endoscope without an endoscope sheath disposed thereover. Additionally or alternatively, the latch assembly includes an alignment feature to ensure that the two windows are properly aligned with the lighting and imaging pathways.
- In some embodiments, the length of the elongate body of the sheath is shorter than the length of the shaft of the endoscope, and elastic members disposed within the latch assembly of the sheath longitudinally expand the latch assembly when the sheath is placed on the endoscope to ensure the front face of the sheath is disposed immediately adjacent the front face of the endoscope. This contacting arrangement eliminates or reduces the introduction of stray light into the endoscope and maintains the light quality and imaging quality of the endoscope.
- In embodiments, the sheath locks onto an endoscope about the rear or proximal portion thereof (e.g., adjacent the handle of the endoscope), making installation of the sheath on the endoscope easier as compared to sheaths that connect about a front or distal portion thereof or sheaths that do not have a locking mechanism.
- Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
- Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tip section of a sheath in accordance with the prior art, positioned over a front-end section of an endoscope; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a tip section of a sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, positioned over a front-end section of an endoscope; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of the sheath ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an end view of a proximal end of a latch assembly of the sheath ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an end view of a distal end of the latch assembly of the sheath ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is an end view of a sheath tip of the sheath ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an endoscope system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an endoscope of the endoscope system ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a sheath assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a latch assembly of a sheath of the sheath assembly ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clamping ring of the sheath assembly ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the endoscope system ofFIG. 8 and the sheath assembly ofFIG. 10 . - Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. Throughout this description, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a system, a device, or a component thereof, that is closer to a user, and the term “distal” refers to a portion of the system, the device, or the component thereof, that is farther from the user.
- Referring initially to
FIG. 1 , a prior art sheath 1 having a front-end illumination window 2 is shown disposed on anendoscope 3 having a front or forward facing lighting system including alight source 4, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), disposed radially outward of alens 5. For lighting systems having a relatively large divergence angle of the lighting pathway, such as LED lighting systems, the light emitted from thelight source 4 is reflected back from the inner and outer surfaces of the illumination window 2 of the sheath 1 and into the imaging pathway of thelens 5. This phenomenon causes stray light that affects image quality. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , asheath 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front-end having twoseparate windows endoscope 3. Thewindows endoscope 3, thereby preventing or minimizing any reflected light from entering the imaging pathway. - Turning now to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesheath 100 extends along a longitudinal axis “X”, and includes alatch assembly 110 having amain housing 120 and aguide housing 130, anelongate body 140 extending distally from thelatch assembly 110, and asheath tip 150 extending distally from theelongate body 140. Thesheath 100 is configured for positioning over an endoscope to isolate the endoscope from the external environment. - As shown in
FIGS. 3-5 , themain housing 120 of thelatch assembly 110 includes aproximal portion 120 a having alocking mechanism 122 configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope. In embodiments, thelocking mechanism 122 includes opposed keyed lockingslots 122 a defined in anouter surface 121 a of theproximal portion 120 a of themain housing 120. Themain housing 120 also agrip portion 120 b configured for engagement (e.g., holding/handling) by a user. - The
guide housing 130 includes aproximal portion 130 a disposed within themain housing 120 of thelatch assembly 110. Theproximal portion 130 a of theguide housing 130 includes analignment mechanism 132 configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope. In embodiments, thealignment mechanism 132 includes analignment post 132 a extending radially outward from anouter surface 131 a of theproximal portion 130 a of theguide housing 130, and proximally therefrom within themain housing 120. - As shown in
FIGS. 3-6 , themain housing 120 and theguide housing 130 are coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected byelastic members 112. Eachelastic member 112 is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to both the main and guidehousings central portion 112 a of theelastic member 112 extends radially between the main and guidehousings 120, 130 (e.g., coaxially aligned with the main and guide housings) in spaced relation relative to each other. - The
elastic members 112 are flexible, e.g., elasticized, stretchable, or yieldable, to allow theguide housing 130 to move longitudinally relative to themain housing 120 from a biased, first position to an elongated, second position to increase the longitudinal length of thelatch assembly 110, and thus thesheath 100. Theelastic members 112 may be in the form of bands, tethers, ropes, cords, cables, straps, etc., and may formed from, for example, an elastomer, silicone, rubber, latex, among other resilient materials within the purview of those skilled in the art. - The
guide housing 130 extends distally frommain housing 120 and defines a through-hole 133 extending longitudinally therethrough that acts as a guide hole for guiding the insertion of an endoscope therethrough. Anannular groove 135 is defined in theouter surface 131 a of theguide housing 130 and configured for attachment of a protective sleeve thereto, as described in further detail below. - With reference again to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theelongate body 140 is a rigid tubular member having a uniform diameter along the length thereof, and defines alumen 141 therethrough. Theelongate body 140 has aproximal end 140 a disposed in sealing relation within theguide housing 130 of thelatch assembly 110 such that thelumen 141 is axially aligned with the throughhole 133 of theguide housing 130 along the longitudinal axis “X” of thesheath 100. Theelongate body 140 also has adistal end 140 b integrally formed with, or secured to, thesheath tip 150. - The
sheath tip 150 is sized and shaped to correspond with the configuration of an endoscope tip. As shown inFIG. 7 , in conjunction withFIGS. 3 and 4 , thesheath tip 150 has a front face ordistal end 152 including first andsecond windows second openings distal end 152 of thesheath tip 150. The first andsecond openings distal end 152 of thesheath tip 150 are separate and distinct, having defined peripheral boundaries. The first andsecond windows second openings second windows distal end 152 of thesheath tip 150 in a configuration that corresponds with the lighting and imaging pathways of an endoscope. - With reference now to
FIG. 8 , anendoscope system 201 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Theendoscope system 201 includes anendoscope 200, asystem control box 250, and a power cord orcable 260 interconnecting theendoscope 200 with thesystem control box 250. Thesystem control box 250 includes software and hardware components for powering and/or controlling a camera and/or a light source of theendoscope 200, and/or for processing images captured by the camera and outputting video signals to a display (not shown) to display the captured images. Thecable 260 is a transmission line between theendoscope 200 and thesystem control box 250, and may be long in length (e.g., 3 meters or more). - As shown in
FIG. 9 , theendoscope 200 includes ahandle 210 and a shaft orinsertion tube 220 extending distally from thehandle 210 that terminates at anendoscope tip 222. Thehandle 210 is used by a user to control and manipulate theendoscope 200. A retainingbracket 230 is disposed at adistal end 210 a of thehandle 210, and is positioned over theshaft 220. The retainingbracket 230 includes anouter collar 232, and aninner collar 234 disposed within theouter collar 232 in spaced relation relative thereto. Alternatively, theinner collar 234 may be separate from the retainingbracket 230. - The
outer collar 232 has a lockingstructure 236 disposed on aninner surface 232 a thereof, and theinner collar 234 has analignment structure 238 disposed on anouter surface 234 a thereof. In embodiments, the lockingstructure 236 includes keyed lockingprotrusions 236 a that are configured to mate with the lockingslots 122 a of thelatch assembly 110 of thesheath 100, and/or thealignment structure 238 is analignment slot 238 a that is configured to receive thealignment post 132 a of thelatch assembly 110 therein. - The
endoscope tip 222 includes a lighting device and an imaging device (not explicitly shown) disposed therein, and adistal surface 224 including a first orlighting window 224 a and a second orimaging window 224 b disposed over the respective lighting and imaging devices to provide lighting and imaging pathways of theendoscope 200. The size and shape of theendoscope tip 222 corresponds to the size and shape of the sheath tip 150 (see e.g.,FIG. 3 ), and the boundaries of the lighting andimaging windows second windows FIG. 7 ) of thesheath tip 150. - With continued reference to
FIG. 9 , in conjunction withFIG. 4 , thesheath 100 is placed over theendoscope 200 by inserting theendoscope tip 222 into theproximal portion 120 a of themain housing 120 of thelatch assembly 110, and passing theendoscope tip 222 proximally through the throughhole 133 of theguide housing 130 and thelumen 141 of theelongate body 140 until theendoscope tip 222 is disposed within thesheath tip 150. During movement of theendoscope 200 through thesheath 100, thealignment post 132 a slides into, and engages, thealignment slot 238 a of theendoscope 200 to ensure that thesheath tip 150 is properly oriented relative to theendoscope tip 222. Accordingly, thesheath 100 and/or theendoscope 200 may need to be rotated relative to the other to align and unite thealignment mechanism 132 with thealignment structure 238. - The
endoscope 200 is passed through thesheath 100 until thelatch assembly 110 of thesheath 100 engages the retainingbracket 230 of theendoscope 200. Specifically, theproximal portion 120 a of themain housing 120 of thelatch assembly 110 enters the space defined between the outer andinner collars bracket 230, and the lockingslots 122 a receive the lockingprotrusions 236 a of theendoscope 200 to lock thesheath 100 on theendoscope 200. - The length of the
elongate body 140 of thesheath 100 is shorter than the length of theshaft 220 of theendoscope 200. Accordingly, during placement of thesheath 100 on theendoscope 200, theelastic members 112 disposed within thelatch assembly 110 flex or stretch a longitudinal distance to accommodate for the length difference between theelongate body 140 and theshaft 220, and to ensure that thedistal end 152 of thesheath tip 150 is positioned immediate adjacent to, and contacts, thedistal surface 224 of the endoscope tip 222 (e.g., no gaps are formed therebetween). - The direction fitting of the
sheath tip 150 relative to theendoscope tip 220 via engagement of thealignment mechanism 132 of thesheath 100 and thealignment structure 238 of theendoscope 200, the matching configuration of the first andsecond windows sheath tip 150 and the lighting andimaging windows endoscope tip 220, and the tight fit between thesheath tip 150 and theendoscope tip 220 eliminate or reduce stray light which may be introduced into theendoscope 200 from thesheath 100 such that optical performance of theendoscope 200 is minimally affected by the use of thesheath 100. - With reference now to
FIG. 10 , asheath assembly 301 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The sheath assembly 101 includes asheath 300, a retaining or clampingring 360, and aprotective sleeve 370. Thesheath 300 is substantially similar to thesheath 100 and therefore described with respect to the differences therebetween. Thesheath 300 includes alatch assembly 310 having amain housing 320 and aguide housing 330, anelongate body 140 extending distally from thelatch assembly 310, and asheath tip 150 extending distally from theelongate body 140. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 , themain housing 320 of thelatch assembly 310 includes aproximal portion 320 a having alocking mechanism 322 configured to engage a complementary locking structure of an endoscope. In embodiments, thelocking mechanism 322 includes opposed keyed lockingslots 322 a defined in anouter surface 321 a of theproximal portion 320 a of themain housing 320. Themain housing 320 also agrip portion 320 b configured for engagement (e.g., holding/handling) by a user. - The
guide housing 330 includes aproximal portion 330 a disposed within themain housing 320 of thelatch assembly 310. Theproximal portion 330 a of theguide housing 330 includes analignment mechanism 332 configured to engage a complementary alignment structure of an endoscope. In embodiments, thealignment mechanism 332 includes an alignment post 332 a extending radially outward from an outer surface 331 a of theproximal portion 330 a of theguide housing 330, and proximally therefrom within themain housing 320. - The
main housing 320 and theguide housing 330 are coaxially aligned with each other and interconnected byelastic members 312. Eachelastic member 312 is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to both the main and guidehousings central portion 312 a of theelastic member 312 extends radially between the main and guidehousings 320, 330 (e.g., coaxially aligned with the main and guide housings) in spaced relation relative to each other. - The
guide housing 330 extends distally frommain housing 320 and defines a through-hole 333 extending longitudinally therethrough that acts as a guide hole for guiding the insertion of an endoscope therethrough. Anannular groove 335 is defined in the outer surface 331 a of theguide housing 330 and configured for attachment of the protective sleeve 270 thereto.Clips 337 are disposed around the outer surface 331 a of theguide housing 330 in spaced relation relative to each other, and distal to theannular groove 335. Theclips 337 project radially outward from theguide housing 330 and are configured to engage theclamping ring 360. Theclips 337 may be ridges, protrusions, bumps, among other projections that are configured to engage a mating structure of theclamping ring 360. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 12 , theclamping ring 360 includes anannular body 362 having acentral opening 363 defined therethrough, anannular slot 365 defined therein, and aclamping edge 367. Theclamping ring 360 is positionable on theguide housing 330 of thelatch assembly 310 such that theclips 337 of theguide housing 330 engage theannular slot 365 of theclamping ring 360 to retain theclamping ring 360 on theguide housing 330. - The
protective sleeve 370 is a sterile cover or drape of sufficient size and length to cover and enclose the endoscope and the cable of an endoscope system. Theprotective sleeve 370 is formed from a flexible, thin film or web of material that is sufficiently strong to allow for attachment of theprotective sleeve 370 to thesheath 100 and manipulation of controls which may be disposed on the handle of an endoscope, without tearing, yet is flexible to allow for movement of theprotective sleeve 370 during movement of the endoscope. Theprotective sleeve 370 is also impervious or impermeable to contaminants to maintain a sterile boundary between the covered components of an endoscope system and the external environment. Theprotective sleeve 370 may be transparent for an unobscured view of the endoscope and/or cable disposed therein. Theprotective sleeve 370 may be formed from polymers, such as plastic, among other suitable materials that may be formed into films. - Turning now to
FIG. 13 , thesheath assembly 301 is utilized with theendoscope system 201 for isolating components (e.g., theendoscope 200 and the cable 260) of theendoscope system 201 from the external environment to prevent or minimize contamination of theendoscope system 201 during use in a surgical procedure. Thesheath 300 is installed on theendoscope 200 in a similar manner as described above with respect to thesheath 100. - With continued reference to
FIG. 13 , in conjunction withFIGS. 9 and 10 , thesheath 300 is placed over theendoscope 200 by inserting theendoscope tip 222 into theproximal portion 320 a of themain housing 320 of thelatch assembly 310 and sliding thesheath 300 over theendoscope 200 until thelocking mechanism 322 of thesheath 300 engages the lockingstructure 236 of theendoscope 200. During movement of theendoscope 200 through thesheath 300, thealignment mechanism 332 engages thealignment structure 238 of theendoscope 200 to ensure that thesheath tip 150 is properly oriented relative to theendoscope tip 222, and theelastic members 312 of thelatch assembly 310 stretch to accommodate for the length difference between theelongate body 140 of thesheath 100 and theshaft 220 of theendoscope 200 to ensure that thesheath tip 150 contacts theendoscope tip 222. - The
protective sleeve 370 is positioned over thecable 260 and thehandle 210 of theendoscope 200, with a portion of theprotective sleeve 370 positioned in theannular groove 335 of theguide housing 330 of thelatch assembly 310 of thesheath 300. Theclamping ring 360 is then placed over the portion of theprotective sleeve 370 disposed within theannular groove 335 by sliding theclamping ring 360 in a proximal direction over thesheath tip 150, theelongate body 140, and theguide housing 330 until the clampingedge 367 engages theguide housing 330, capturing theprotective sleeve 370 therebetween, and theannular slot 365 engages theclips 337 to retain theclamping ring 360 and thus, theprotective sleeve 370, to thelatch assembly 310. Accordingly, theendoscope 200 and thecable 260, each of which is conventionally sterilized after use, are protected by thesheath assembly 301. - While the
endoscope system 201 has been described as being protected by thesheath assembly 301, it should be appreciated that theendoscope sheath 100 may be utilized with aprotective sleeve 370 to cover theendoscope system 201. In such embodiments, theprotective sleeve 370 is positioned over thehandle 210 of theendoscope 200 and thecable 260, as discussed above, with a portion of theprotective sleeve 370 disposed within, and secured to, theannular groove 135 of the guide housing 130 (e.g., via a band, cord, rope, tether, etc.). - Further, as another example, it should be understood that the
locking mechanism sheath structure 236 of theendoscope 200 may additionally or alternatively include other suitable mechanical arrangements that form a connect/disconnect interface for releasably securing thesheath endoscope 200. Similarly, thealignment mechanism sheath alignment structure 238 of theendoscope 200 may have other suitable mechanical arrangements that maintain the unique clocking position of thesheath endoscope 200 for mistake-proofing the installation of thesheath endoscope 200. - As yet another example, while the
sheath tip 150 has been described and shown as having a beveleddistal end 152 including the first andsecond windows sheath tip 150 may have any shape that corresponds with the shape of an endoscope tip, and the configuration and number of windows of thesheath tip 150 may vary to match that of an endoscope tip. - As another example, the retaining
bracket 230 of theendoscope 200 may be an adapter made for installation on an endoscope such that any endoscope (e.g., rigid endoscopes and/or endoscopes having LED front lighting systems) may be fitted with anendoscope sheath sheath assembly 301 of the present disclosure. - Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown and described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variation are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described. Thus, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CN2018/076912 WO2019157763A1 (en) | 2018-02-15 | 2018-02-15 | Sheath assembly for a rigid endoscope |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210113069A1 true US20210113069A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
US11547281B2 US11547281B2 (en) | 2023-01-10 |
Family
ID=67619046
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/970,574 Active 2038-04-24 US11547281B2 (en) | 2018-02-15 | 2018-02-15 | Sheath assembly for a rigid endoscope |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11547281B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3752039A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111712174A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019157763A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018170903A1 (en) | 2017-03-24 | 2018-09-27 | Covidien Lp | Endoscopes and methods of treatment |
WO2022036400A1 (en) * | 2020-08-21 | 2022-02-24 | Optiscan Pty Ltd | Optical probe and processing system |
WO2023279313A1 (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2023-01-12 | Covidien Lp | Sheath for covering an endoscopic device in a fluid-tight seal |
Family Cites Families (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4522196A (en) * | 1982-06-11 | 1985-06-11 | Cunningham Frank W | Reusable, sterile covering for a surgical camera |
US4550715A (en) * | 1983-10-24 | 1985-11-05 | Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. | Endoscope insertion cannula assembly |
US4610242A (en) * | 1984-04-18 | 1986-09-09 | Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. | Endoscope insertion cannula assembly |
US4914521A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1990-04-03 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Sterilizable video camera cover |
US5188093A (en) * | 1991-02-04 | 1993-02-23 | Citation Medical Corporation | Portable arthroscope with periscope optics |
DE69327237T2 (en) * | 1992-04-01 | 2000-09-07 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co | PROTECTIVE COVER FOR SPECULUM AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS |
US5704892A (en) | 1992-09-01 | 1998-01-06 | Adair; Edwin L. | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways |
US5311358A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-05-10 | Time Surgical, Inc. | Universal microscope drape |
US5741084A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1998-04-21 | Del Rio; Eddy H. | Wear compensating axial connection |
AUPO478397A0 (en) * | 1997-01-31 | 1997-02-20 | Fairmont Medical Products Pty Ltd | Endoscopic drape |
US5876328A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 1999-03-02 | Endolap, Inc. | Surgical camera drape assembly and method |
US10595710B2 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2020-03-24 | Visionscope Technologies Llc | Portable imaging system employing a miniature endoscope |
US6695772B1 (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2004-02-24 | Visionary Biomedical, Inc. | Small diameter cannula devices, systems and methods |
JP4472549B2 (en) * | 2005-02-14 | 2010-06-02 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US7824327B2 (en) * | 2005-04-12 | 2010-11-02 | Tyco Healthcare Group Llp | Optical trocar with scope holding assembly |
US8784435B2 (en) | 2006-06-13 | 2014-07-22 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Surgical system entry guide |
US8231658B2 (en) * | 2007-11-14 | 2012-07-31 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Introducer device with locking adaptor |
KR100975047B1 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2010-08-11 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Coupling structure of surgical instrument |
KR20090089928A (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-25 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Curved rcm of surgical robot arm |
KR100961428B1 (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2010-06-09 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Bed integrated surgical robot |
CN102014760B (en) | 2008-06-09 | 2013-11-06 | 韩商未来股份有限公司 | Master interface for surgical robot and control method |
CN102014759B (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2012-12-26 | 韩商未来股份有限公司 | Instrument of surgical robot arm |
KR20100008878A (en) | 2008-07-17 | 2010-01-27 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Surgical robot and setting method thereof |
KR100936928B1 (en) | 2008-07-25 | 2010-01-20 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Surgical robot |
US20100217991A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 | 2010-08-26 | Seung Wook Choi | Surgery robot system of server and client type |
KR100944412B1 (en) | 2008-10-13 | 2010-02-25 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Surgical slave robot |
DE102008059633A1 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2010-06-02 | Aesculap Ag | Medical endoscope, has tubular sterile sleeve adjusted in proximal direction by helical spring such that lateral window rests at plane window that is provided at distal end of tubular shaft, where lateral window is connected to plane window |
WO2010068005A2 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-17 | Rebo | Surgical robot |
JP2010142422A (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2010-07-01 | Fujifilm Corp | Optical probe and optical observation apparatus |
KR100974464B1 (en) | 2009-04-21 | 2010-08-10 | 주식회사 래보 | Coupling structure of surgical instrument |
KR100997194B1 (en) | 2009-08-18 | 2010-11-30 | 주식회사 이턴 | Remote operation robot system for indirectly providing tactile sensation and control method thereof |
WO2011037394A2 (en) | 2009-09-23 | 2011-03-31 | 주식회사 이턴 | Sterile adapter, fastening structure of wheels, and fastening structure of surgical instrument |
WO2011052939A2 (en) | 2009-10-26 | 2011-05-05 | 주식회사 이턴 | Surgical instrument and adapter for single port surgery |
WO2011115387A2 (en) | 2010-03-15 | 2011-09-22 | 주식회사 이턴 | Coupler for robot arm for single port surgery, and surgical robot comprising same |
WO2011149260A2 (en) | 2010-05-28 | 2011-12-01 | 주식회사 이턴 | Rcm structure for a surgical robot arm |
DE102010022430A1 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2011-12-01 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Field of view device for an endoscope |
KR101598773B1 (en) | 2010-10-21 | 2016-03-15 | (주)미래컴퍼니 | Method and device for controlling/compensating movement of surgical robot |
KR20130015441A (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2013-02-14 | 주식회사 이턴 | Surgical robot system |
US8912746B2 (en) | 2011-10-26 | 2014-12-16 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Surgical instrument motor pack latch |
WO2014205140A2 (en) * | 2013-06-18 | 2014-12-24 | Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. | Sheath for hand-held and robotic laparoscopes |
US10098524B2 (en) | 2013-09-26 | 2018-10-16 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Endoscope sheath arm |
CN105231979B (en) | 2015-10-19 | 2017-06-06 | 珠海康弘发展有限公司 | Medical endoscope, interior outer sheath part and medical endoscope system |
CN205339020U (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2016-06-29 | 重庆金创谷医疗科技有限公司 | Endoscope is with diagnosing sheath pipe |
-
2018
- 2018-02-15 US US16/970,574 patent/US11547281B2/en active Active
- 2018-02-15 EP EP18906495.9A patent/EP3752039A4/en active Pending
- 2018-02-15 CN CN201880089398.7A patent/CN111712174A/en active Pending
- 2018-02-15 WO PCT/CN2018/076912 patent/WO2019157763A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11547281B2 (en) | 2023-01-10 |
CN111712174A (en) | 2020-09-25 |
EP3752039A4 (en) | 2021-09-29 |
WO2019157763A1 (en) | 2019-08-22 |
EP3752039A1 (en) | 2020-12-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
TWI444171B (en) | Disposable sheath for use with an imaging system | |
US5496259A (en) | Sterile protective sheath and drape for video laparoscope and method of use | |
US6761684B1 (en) | Endoscope tip protection system | |
US5458132A (en) | Endoscope cover-sheathed endoscope system | |
US5630782A (en) | Sterilizable endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly | |
US5274500A (en) | Video camera drape with lens | |
US9146576B2 (en) | Arthroscope rotation mechanisms and methods of endoscopic rotation | |
USRE33854E (en) | sterilizable sheathpe with .[.heat.]. | |
US4878485A (en) | Rigid video endoscope with heat sterilizable sheath | |
US5792045A (en) | Sterile surgical coupler and drape | |
US8529439B2 (en) | Endoscopic system | |
US11547281B2 (en) | Sheath assembly for a rigid endoscope | |
CA2994946A1 (en) | Endoscope with variable profile tip | |
EP3220797A1 (en) | A device for use in hysteroscopy | |
US11633243B2 (en) | Instrument insertion system, method, and apparatus for performing medical procedures | |
US11751961B2 (en) | Systems, methods, and apparatuses for capturing images during a medical procedure | |
US6572536B1 (en) | Autoclavable flexible fiberscope | |
JP3665443B2 (en) | Endoscope | |
US20100065068A1 (en) | Drape for medical equipment, drape for endoscope, and medical apparatus | |
EP3808245B1 (en) | Endoscope | |
WO2016085112A1 (en) | Disposable endoscope cover body and endoscope using cover body | |
KR20180074858A (en) | Disposable Separate Endoscope Including Plastic Optical Fiber | |
US20170332885A1 (en) | Ocular for a surgical instrument | |
JP2848571B2 (en) | Endoscope device | |
US20230380674A1 (en) | Endoscope |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COVIDIEN PRIVATE LIMITED, SINGAPORE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:COVIDIEN (CHINA) MEDICAL DEVICES TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:053514/0900 Effective date: 20190110 Owner name: COVIDIEN (CHINA) MEDICAL DEVICES TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., CHINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YAO, HONGWEN;LU, ZHENTAO;ZHAN, ZHENHAI;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20180402 TO 20180602;REEL/FRAME:053514/0824 Owner name: MEDTRONIC INTERNATIONAL IP GMBH, SWITZERLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:COVIDIEN PRIVATE LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:053514/0943 Effective date: 20190110 Owner name: COVIDIEN LP, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MEDTRONIC INTERNATIONAL IP GMBH;REEL/FRAME:053514/0989 Effective date: 20190115 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |